News

Football earns Top 10 billing in preseason polls

As the football season fast approaches, a slew of publications have released their preseason polls. With the Mountain Hawks’ recent success, it comes as no surprise that many have high expectations for the 2002 Lehigh squad. Three national publications expect the Mountain Hawks to finish in the nation’s top ten. Lindy’s magazine has chosen Lehigh as its preseason number one team in all of Division I-AA in an edition that hit newsstands on June 25. In the Street & Smith’s preview, Lehigh was picked to finish third. The Mountain Hawks were also selected to finish ninth nationally in Athlon’s college football preview.

In other preseason news, senior center Jeff Santacroce has been honored by being named a Preseason All-American by both The Sports Network and Lindy’s magazine. Santacroce, a two-year starter for the Mountain Hawks, was a First Team All-Patriot League selection in 2001.

Lehigh posted an 11-1 record in 2001 en route to capturing its fourth straight Patriot League title. The league’s coaches recently picked the Brown and White to repeat as champions again this season. The Mountain Hawks will open their 2002 season on Thursday, August 29th, when Lehigh visits I-A opponent Buffalo. Kick-off is set for 7:30 pm from Amherst, NY.